Auburn football: Shaun Shivers looks like next big thing among Tigers’ history of smaller backs
By Rob Maxwell
Lionel “Little Train” James
When you’re talking about small Auburn backs, the conversation begins with Lionel James.
Nicknamed “Little Train,” James was electric as a runner, pass catcher and kick returner.
Listed at 5-foot-6 and around 170 pounds, there wasn’t a thing James couldn’t do on the football field. At Auburn, he was a huge weapon:
- He ran for 2,068 yards from 1981-83 and shared the backfield with Bo Jackson for two seasons as the Tigers excelled with the triple-option attack.
- Averaged 5.9 yards per carry in his Auburn career with 12 rushing touchdowns.
- Ranked second in Auburn football history with 15.6 yards per punt return.
James was drafted in the fifth round by the San Diego Chargers and spent five seasons in the NFL.
His best year came in 1985, his second year in the league. He ran for 516 yards with two touchdowns, caught 86 passes for 1,027 yards and six TDs.
For his NFL career, he totaled four rushing TDs, 10 receiving touchdowns and returned two punts for scores.